The Department of Labor (”DOL”) has released a quarterly report covering the first quarter of 2009 (ending on March 31, 2009) which report indicates the performance measurements for four categories of labor certifications performed by DOL: H-1B Labor Condition Applications (”LCA”). The target performance rate set by DOL is seven (business) days. For the first quarter, [...]
USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Friday, June 26, USCIS has received approximately 44,800 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, [...]
As part of our regular USCIS-related filings, we receive requests for evidence (”RFES”) on a number of occasions. Such RFES are standard practice and often are unrelated to the substance of the petition - for example, requesting clear copies of the lastest Form I-94 card. It is our practice to ensure that each petition filed [...]
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (”USCIS”) has provided some updates and insight into their operations and future plans during the annual AILA conference: Premium Processing for I-140. Some I-140s which were previously eligible for premium processing may be made again eligible. Expected this summer. H-1B Application Process to be Redesigned. USCIS is working on reengineering the [...]
USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Friday, June 12, USCIS has received approximately 44,400 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, [...]
A memorandum dated May 20, 2009 by Barbara Velarade provides some guidance to the USCIS Service Centers with respect to the standards for adjudicating H-1B petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries seeking employment in a health care specialty occupation. Generally, the Velarde memorandum provides two kinds of guidance, one for beneficiaries with a license and one [...]
USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Tuesday, May 26, USCIS has received approximately 45,700 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, [...]
USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Monday, May 11, USCIS has received approximately 45,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, [...]
“Bridging” is when successive H-1B portability (transfer) petitions are filed for an alien while the previous H-1B petitions remain pending and while the period on the initial I-94 card has expired. We have a number of clients who are currently “bridging” their H-1B petitions and in light of the increased number of inquiries, it [...]
USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Monday, May 4, USCIS has received approximately 45,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, [...]